What gauge extension cord do I need for Christmas lights? For running Christmas lights, you want to make sure that any cord you use is rated for outdoor use. Pick a 16-gauge extension cord for light runs of 25 feet or less and go with a heavier duty 14-gauge cord for runs over 25 feet.
Likewise, How can I tell if an extension cord is for outdoor use?
Letter Designation. On the extension cord packaging or on the cord itself, the letter “W” indicates that the cord is designed for use outside. Outdoor extension cords have a heavy-duty appearance and tend to have tough, bright orange covers that are made from rubber, vinyl or plastic.
Thereof, Which is better 12 or 16 gauge extension cord? 16-Gauge Cords: Any 16-gauge cord between 0 and 100 feet long will adequately handle tool loads up to 10 amps. … 12-Gauge Cords: If your tool load is between 10 and 15 amps and the length of the cord is 50 to 100 feet, you need a 12-gauge cord to safely power any tool. This is a great extension cord for many purposes.
Is a 14-gauge extension cord heavy duty?
Frequent use cords.
A 14-gauge cord is for medium or frequent duty applications (lawnmowers, power drills, table saws, television sets, etc.). These cords are also great for things like power tools, electric chainsaws, leaf or snow blowers, etc. They can handle larger tools and equipment and heavier use.
How can you tell what gauge an extension cord is?
Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire and has three conductions inside. Extension cord lengths determine the cord’s power capacity.
Is it safe to use extension cords outside?
Never use indoor extension cords outside, they are not built for such rugged use. Do NOT leave even your outdoor extension cord outside more than a day or two. Left outside over extended periods, cord materials can breakdown, potentially resulting in sparking, fire, and shock.
How do I protect my outdoor extension cord from rain?
Use Cling Wrap. Industrial strength pallet wrap is good way to weatherize your connections when using extension cords outside. Wrap the connection portion of the cords tightly, using as much of the plastic wrap as needed to keep out the water and prevent electric shock.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords?
Insulation is the significant difference between indoor and outdoor extensions cords. Indoor extension cords lack the materials that act as protective insulation to protect against moisture and varying temperatures. Outdoor extension cords are also made durable enough to withstand long periods in the sun.
What is the best gauge for outdoor extension cords?
Recommended wire gauge for extension cords
A cord measuring 14 AWG is the thinnest we recommend—and at lengths of only 25 feet or shorter—and the much thicker 10 AWG is likely the thickest gauge you’ll find in an extension cord.
What is heavy duty extension cord?
Heavy-duty extension cords are suitable for drawing 10 to 15 amps of power. These are always grounded extension cords that include a third wire and plug prong for grounding and have plugs with three slots for accepting grounded appliance cords.
Can you use an extension cord permanently?
Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring. If you find yourself using the same extension cord for more than 30 days, this may indicate a need for more permanent wiring. Do not run extension cords through holes in walls, ceilings, floors, doorways or other openings.
Which is better 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord?
Round down = 10 Gauge. Most devices will do fine with 12 gauge extension cords. Power hungry devices such as lawnmowers, heavy machines, require a lower gauge such as 10AWG. Keep in mind, the lower the gauge means the thicker the cord.
Can I plug a vacuum into an extension cord?
To use one, find as central of a location as you can, preferably in a spot that won’t cause you to wind around too much furniture, plug in your extension cord, and plug your vacuum cleaner into that. When you’re done, just reel your extension cord back onto its holder and congrats!
What is the heaviest gauge extension cord?
Common household extension cords are available in 16 gauge (smallest), 14 gauge, 12 gauge, and 10 gauge (biggest). The lower the number, the bigger the gauge and the greater the amperage and wattage is.
Does the length of an extension cord affect the power?
As the cord gets longer, the current carrying capacity of the cord gets lower. For example, a 16 gauge extension cord less than 50 feet in length can power a 1625 watt (W) appliance. A 16 gauge cord that is longer than 50 feet in length can only power an appliance up to 1250W.
How do you use an extension cord outside?
Outdoor Extension Cord Safety
- Pick the right cord. Cords are not one-size-fits-all. …
- Plug your outdoor extension cords into a GFCI outlet. …
- Make sure your cord is the right length (not too short/long), to prevent tripping hazards.
- Unplug the cord and store it indoors when it’s not in use.
What is a cold weather extension cord?
Cold weather extension cords are an option worth considering if there is a chance that they will be used in sub-zero temperatures. … These cords are designed to hold up in freezing cold weather and prevent against damages to the outer covering of the cord.
What type of electrical wire is used for outdoors?
Exposed or buried wiring must be listed for its application. (Type UF cable is the most commonly used nonmetallic cable for residential outdoor wiring runs.) UF cable can be direct buried (without conduit) with a minimum of 24 inches of cover.
Should you cover outdoor Christmas light plugs?
Make sure all outdoor cords are not in excessively wet or damp locations to reduce risk and other hazards. Also, make sure that all your outdoor receptacles are covered with plastic bubble covers. This keeps the extension cord protected from the outside elements while plugged in.
How do you protect outdoor Christmas lights from rain?
As for how to protect outdoor Christmas lights from rain – put them on stakes or other elevated positions above ground as well. You can hang them on trees, bushes, on your fence, or on your yard furniture but make sure they are not just lying on the ground.
How do you waterproof outdoor electrical connections?
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